The 2019 NHL trade deadline looms on Feb. 25. Until then, the trade rumors, reports and guesswork will carry the sport's news cycle.

For the Nashville Predators, injuries to star players (Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson and P.K. Subban, to name a few) have given the organization few chances to see a roster on the ice that resembles full strength.

The Predators have made two trades to bolster the bottom six, acquiring Brian Boyle from New Jersey and re-acquiring Cody McLeod from the Rangers. Both big-bodied forwards may well replace much of the ice time that was previously given to Zac Rinaldo, who is undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, and Austin Watson.

Feb. 21

► Elliotte Friedman reiterated on SportsNet Wednesday night — and on the 31 Thoughts podcast published Thursday morning — that the Nashville Predators are the front runners for Ottawa Senators forward Matt Duchene. Between periods of a game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche, Friedman said that until he hears they are out, Nashville is the most likely landing spot for Duchene.

"So I think the Matt Duchene stuff centers around Nashville," he said on the podcast. "The Predators have lusted after Duchene for some time."

He added, "but I do think Nashville interests him a great deal. I think the Predators are working to see if they can make this a sign and trade, have an extension be part of it. And what other moving parts do they have to make around that."

Feb. 8

► Nashville made an AHL trade Friday, acquiring forwards Laurent Dauphin and Adam Helewka from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for forward Emil Pettersson. The latter was a 25-year-old Swedish-born player that had produced in Milwaukee this season (46 points in 72 games) but was not threatening to earn time with the big club. Both incoming forwards played with AHL Tuscon this season.

Feb. 6

► Predators re-acquired Cody McLeod (1-0-1 in 31 games) from the New York Rangers in exchange for a seventh round pick. First reported by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

► Predators acquired forward Brian Boyle (13-6-19 in 47 games) from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a second-round pick. First reported by TSN's Bob McKenzie.

Boyle is a large presence (6-6, 244) who has scored 13 goals in 2018-19 despite playing in the bottom six for the Devils for most of the season. That'll be where he fits into the Preds lineup.

► LeBrun reported in a separate story that the Preds have inquired with the Columbus Blue Jackets in regards to impending UFA winger Artemi Panarin (22-33-55 in 56 games) and with the Philadelphia Flyers in regards to impending UFA forward Wayne Simmonds (16-8-24 in 52 games). Boyle's presence on the roster could impact the Preds' continuous interest in Simmonds, but Panarin would instantly boost the skill and playmaking ability in the top six. But he also would come at a large price, especially for a rental.